I felt the energy/chemistry was fine between Erica Durance (LILY) and Jordan Young (LOGAN). Since Lily just had her life upended by a divorce and Logan was still grieving the loss of his wife I wouldn't have expected sparks to be flying. Especially given logan has a son to protect and and Lily's going to Spain for six months they aren't looking for a relationship. Both admit that they are cautious about taking their friendship anyplace given where they are in life. I would expect given that they're middle-aged that they are sensible enough not to jump into a relationship but take relationships seriously. I felt the casting was great and especially loved the moms: Jo Cameron Brown and Juliet Cadzo.
Reviews
9 Reviews
The Whistleblower
(2010)
Heartbreaking
31 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This is a very very powerful film and I applaud those at every level who are willing to bring stuff like this to light. It can't be easy being in or working on a film that shows such darkness in our world and society as a whole.
That people can be so money hungry and depraved to do what is shown in this film, or allow this to happen is inhumane, immoral, deplorable and beyond my comprehension.
It's especially hard knowing this also happens to very young girls and boys in addition to teenagers and young adults the world over and on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, traffic is overtaking the drug market because it's so profitable and In most cases the penalties are low.
BIT OF SPOILER ALERT My heart is all the more heavy after reading the current status of the situation at the end. That countries like the US and England did nothing 😯😰 shows how far up the ladder this stuff goes.
That people can be so money hungry and depraved to do what is shown in this film, or allow this to happen is inhumane, immoral, deplorable and beyond my comprehension.
It's especially hard knowing this also happens to very young girls and boys in addition to teenagers and young adults the world over and on a daily basis.
Unfortunately, traffic is overtaking the drug market because it's so profitable and In most cases the penalties are low.
BIT OF SPOILER ALERT My heart is all the more heavy after reading the current status of the situation at the end. That countries like the US and England did nothing 😯😰 shows how far up the ladder this stuff goes.
My Christmas Guide
(2023 TV Movie)
Well acted, education & heartwarming movie
3 November 2023
Ben Mehl as Trevor plays a visually impaired father to Ava Weiss (Annie). They are wonderful together and very believable as father and daughter.
Ava is quite charming in her role and the father daughter bond feels real.
Since Ben Mehl is visually impaired in real life, he's obviously acquainted with many, if not all, of the issues brought up in the movie. The sincerity of the characters helped me really identify with the topic of dealing with a perceived limitation and how people can react negatively or positively.
I wanted to watch a movie with a dog (Max). I soon became so engaged in the movie that really didn't think about Max's part being somewhat on the dow low. He is adorable and seemed well suited to the movie. For this review I did try to find out about Max but couldn't find anything. I was curious if he's really a guide dog.
Amber Marshall (Peyton - guide dog trainer and love interest) is an animal lover in real life and it shows on screen.
Definitely a great family movie that would also be good backdrop for having healthy discussions about issues covered by movie. Especially bullying at school.
Ava is quite charming in her role and the father daughter bond feels real.
Since Ben Mehl is visually impaired in real life, he's obviously acquainted with many, if not all, of the issues brought up in the movie. The sincerity of the characters helped me really identify with the topic of dealing with a perceived limitation and how people can react negatively or positively.
I wanted to watch a movie with a dog (Max). I soon became so engaged in the movie that really didn't think about Max's part being somewhat on the dow low. He is adorable and seemed well suited to the movie. For this review I did try to find out about Max but couldn't find anything. I was curious if he's really a guide dog.
Amber Marshall (Peyton - guide dog trainer and love interest) is an animal lover in real life and it shows on screen.
Definitely a great family movie that would also be good backdrop for having healthy discussions about issues covered by movie. Especially bullying at school.
My Santa
(2013 TV Movie)
Heartwarming and worth watching despite my rating of four stars
7 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
While the acting wasn't the best, hence only four star, I still found the movie heartwarming with a sweetness that was a bit unique. Enough so that it's the second time I've watched it.
Possible Spoiler but nothing major
Matthew Lawrence plays Chris, the son of Kris Kringle. Part of me feels he's well casted and part of me feels they could have done better. He is pretty believable in his being naive about what the real world is like. Also about his feelings of the magic starting to take place when he's around Jen Robbins (played by Samaire Armstrong) his love interest.
What I didn't feel was any real chemistry between them. That could be part of why I didn't feel either were very good at their parts.
Who I I did like is Gabe O'Mara as Eric Robbins who played Jen Robbins son. I felt more chemistry between him and the main characters than the main characters themselves.
It would probably help others if more people would give their opinion on the movie and if it's worth the watch.
Possible Spoiler but nothing major
Matthew Lawrence plays Chris, the son of Kris Kringle. Part of me feels he's well casted and part of me feels they could have done better. He is pretty believable in his being naive about what the real world is like. Also about his feelings of the magic starting to take place when he's around Jen Robbins (played by Samaire Armstrong) his love interest.
What I didn't feel was any real chemistry between them. That could be part of why I didn't feel either were very good at their parts.
Who I I did like is Gabe O'Mara as Eric Robbins who played Jen Robbins son. I felt more chemistry between him and the main characters than the main characters themselves.
It would probably help others if more people would give their opinion on the movie and if it's worth the watch.
Santa's Got Style
(2022 TV Movie)
Really a 5.5 rating
7 September 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Possible Spoiler about something revealed early on and some pretty obvious plots.
Really torn between a five and a six star rating. I don't know why writers insist on putting so much stupidity in what could otherwise be a good movie. Maybe it's just my pet peeve but it's really annoying.
What I like: I felt Kathryn Davis (Madison) and Franco Lo Presti (Ethan) had Good chemistry. Franco was good in both roles and the duel rolls moved the movie along at a nice pace. Most of the characters had good roles and fulfilled their parts nicely.
What I DISLIKED: The OVER THE TOP store owner and the woman with him and the supposed security person felt unprofessional, absurdity over the top, and I found the behavior very annoying. Did not feel like it contributed well to the movie. You could have a suspicious security guard without them acting stupid and it would have fulfilled the same functions without being annoying. This made me want to give the movie a four star rating at best. Thankfully they weren't on screen for any more time than they were.
Really torn between a five and a six star rating. I don't know why writers insist on putting so much stupidity in what could otherwise be a good movie. Maybe it's just my pet peeve but it's really annoying.
What I like: I felt Kathryn Davis (Madison) and Franco Lo Presti (Ethan) had Good chemistry. Franco was good in both roles and the duel rolls moved the movie along at a nice pace. Most of the characters had good roles and fulfilled their parts nicely.
What I DISLIKED: The OVER THE TOP store owner and the woman with him and the supposed security person felt unprofessional, absurdity over the top, and I found the behavior very annoying. Did not feel like it contributed well to the movie. You could have a suspicious security guard without them acting stupid and it would have fulfilled the same functions without being annoying. This made me want to give the movie a four star rating at best. Thankfully they weren't on screen for any more time than they were.
A Royal Christmas on Ice
(2022 TV Movie)
Kept turning it off.
21 August 2023
Unfortunately, not a great script; actually pretty horrible or it's that the casting was that bad. Maybe with better directing it might have been an okay movie. Also very little chemistry between actors. Most of the scenes felt forced like the actors were bored with the script. I was unfamiliar with Jonathan Stoddard (Prince John) but felt he was the only redeeming quality about the movie and probably why I kept going back to finish it. For the most part, he seems believable in most of his scenes. Peter Johnson (Al the baker & Santa) didn't have many scenes but I also thought he was believable.
Christmas at the Golden Dragon
(2022 TV Movie)
Decent movie - too many storylines
16 August 2023
The movie was good. I didn't have a problem with the acting or the individual storylines, both are well done for The given genre. I just don't care for movies or shows that have so much jumping around with multiple storylines. When I'm trying to relax I find it too much for my brain. If this sort of thing doesn't bother you, you would probably enjoy the movie More than I did. The jumping around does feel like it starts to smooth out as the movie goes on.
I watched to the end and though some of it felt somewhat corny Felt it all came together in for the standard happy Hallmark ending. I mostly appreciated the sentiment at the very end.
I watched to the end and though some of it felt somewhat corny Felt it all came together in for the standard happy Hallmark ending. I mostly appreciated the sentiment at the very end.
First Lady
(2020)
Not highbrow but delightful & cute
3 January 2023
Agree with review that said should not have been @ theatres but released on TV but it's not a Hallmark type movie either. Rating according to fact it's on TV & a family channel. It's clean & didn't feel like it was trying to fill some politically correct casting formula. The current overall rating of 3.7 stars feels off (more 5.5-6.5⭐). It's not a highbrow movie; simply a clean comedy sauitable for the family though younger children, most teens or anyone looking for fast paced would likely find this political backdrop (which as a comedy worked) & time taken too develop plot boring. I like Corbin Bernsen & Nancy Stafford's acting so extra ⭐s for that.
Iron Man
(2008)
Memorable Message Wrapped in Action Packed Movie With a Great Script for All Ages
24 September 2010
Warning: Spoilers
Just saw this; now I know why it's such a popular film. Robert Downey Jr. seems to get better and better as an actor. Age suites him well. I don't know if it's partly because he picks better roles or if he is mastering his craft that much better. He captures the character of Tony Stark "Iron Man" masterfully and that makes the movie. Likewise Terrence Howard and Shaun Toub were great in their roles.
While it is cheesy in spots, overall it has a great theme. Starting with a reminder of the reason we are at war. It was easy to forget it was based on a Marvel comic book. I think by far the best Marvel movie to date.
Could Be Spoiler****** It displayed taking a man seemingly focused on money, fame, and a fast life and showed the importance of focusing on more important issues. A bit of a realistic look at a tough subject matter of war and politics. Some reviews felt it was more adult oriented; I think it is well suited message wrapped in a great script for all ages.
Looking forward to Iron Man 2; glad it's out this month. Had I known this was so good, I would have gone to the theater.
While it is cheesy in spots, overall it has a great theme. Starting with a reminder of the reason we are at war. It was easy to forget it was based on a Marvel comic book. I think by far the best Marvel movie to date.
Could Be Spoiler****** It displayed taking a man seemingly focused on money, fame, and a fast life and showed the importance of focusing on more important issues. A bit of a realistic look at a tough subject matter of war and politics. Some reviews felt it was more adult oriented; I think it is well suited message wrapped in a great script for all ages.
Looking forward to Iron Man 2; glad it's out this month. Had I known this was so good, I would have gone to the theater.
Tell Your Friends